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Creamy Baked Mac-and-Cheese Recipe with Golden Crust

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A bubbling dish of creamy, cheesy perfection with a golden crust, perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni (or shells or cavatappi)
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes to create a roux.
  4. Gradually add the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
  5. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheeses. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with smoked paprika, garlic powder, ground mustard, salt, and pepper.
  6. Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce, ensuring every piece is coated. Transfer to a 9×13 baking dish.
  7. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the pasta mixture.
  8. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
  9. Let the dish cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

[‘Don’t overcook the pasta; al dente is key.’, ‘Use freshly grated cheese for a smoother sauce.’, ‘Toast breadcrumbs in a skillet for extra crunch.’, ‘Layer shredded cheese beneath the breadcrumb topping for extra cheesiness.’, ‘Taste the cheese sauce before mixing with pasta and adjust seasoning as needed.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: mac-and-cheese, baked mac-and-cheese, creamy mac-and-cheese, comfort food, family dinner, cheesy pasta

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